New Zealand Holidays - Top 5 North Island Cities for Tourists

As you plan your Holiday in New Zealand you will want to explore the many magnificent wide open areas of New Zealand, with glorious scenic views............and activities in line with the area. Snow capped mountains, gorgeous beaches, and walks in our beautiful,lush  bush.       

                            
But many of the cities also have many interesting attractions and activities not to be missed. I am introducing my pick for New Zealand’s <i>Top 5 North Island Cities</i>... and suggest you should include at least some in your travel itinerary.

Each city is unique, with something special to offer. It will depend on your interests and the ages of your group what you will be most interested in doing.......but all cities have something for all ages and interests.

Auckland City covers a very large area, sitting on an isthmus between two harbours, the Hauraki Gulf hosting around 50 islands. With so much coastline surrounding the city, you will have the choice of dozens of beaches and a wide range of water activities.

With several volcanic cones dotting the city, you can get magnificent 360o views from One Tree Hill, Mt Eden or Mt Victoria and North Head in Devonport, on the North Shore.

The bush clad Waitakere Ranges in the west of Auckland have a network of lovely bush walks, waterfalls and Titirangi Village for arts and crafts.                                                                     

North Shore is about beaches....with some lovely coastal walks and city views.

Sky Tower in the central city lures with not only the views from the revolving restaurant, but the adrenaline activities ....A Sky Walk or Sky Jump. Too nerve wracking...but still want some excitement? Maybe the Harbour Bridge climb will be more appealing.

Auckland Zoo is a wonderful place to enjoy New Zealand’s native animals...kiwi, tuatara and our native birds.... along with a good variety of animals from around the globe.

Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium and Antarctica Display on the waterfront....is fascinating for all with penguins, sharks and a train through the Antarctica section which has a commentary in different languages via headphones.

Parks....Gardens...there are many choices ....but a must is the Auckland Domain where you can visit the Auckland Museum, be enthralled by the Maori Cultural Show, and wander the Wintergarden glasshouses. These attractions are great for those with children....though equally of interest to the adults.

3 Museums to visit:

• Auckland Museum
  
• New Zealand National Maritime Museum
• Museum of Transport and Technology

More Auckland Activities to Enjoy :

•  Swimming with Dolphins
•  Whale watching
•  Rainbow’s End Fun Park
•  Muriwai Gannet Colony
•  Rangitoto Island
•  Waiheke Island  
•  Harbour Cruises
  
•  Wine Tasting opportunities at vineyards either north, west or south of Auckland City

Rotorua .....is New Zealand’s best city for experiencing unique Maori cultural shows and displays, as well as a reconstructed Maori village. This unique thermal city is a fantastic holiday destination for family entertainment and fun with cultural, thermal and adrenaline activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Be intrigued with the thermal activity -

• boiling mud pools
• gushing geysers
• steaming pools of water

More Rotorua activities for family fun -

• The Agrodome has an educational but very entertaining farm show.
  
• Along side is Agroventures – the adrenaline activities part of the Agrodome, for breathtaking activities... the Zorb, Shweeb, Swoop.....etc.
  
• Take the gondola up Mt Ngongataha and ride the luge
  
• Visit Rainbow Springs for viewing Kiwis and feeding trout in crystal clear springs
  
• Paradise Springs Zoo
• Walk the Buried Village Track with historic remains from Mt Tarawera eruption, and beautiful bush
  
• Take a walk or bike ride through the Redwood Forest
  
• Enjoy some of the 16 lakes</li><li>Bathe in mineral hot pools – the Polynesian Pools are the best known also with Spa facilities
  
• Anyone for a game of golf? Try the Rotorua Golf
  Course with its steam vents and boiling pools for a different golf experience!

Rotorua has so many choices. It is a wonderful family holiday destination
and not to be missed.

Set on the edge of Lake Taupo the largest lake in the North Island, Taupo is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists. It is also a popular destination for Business Conventions.

There is a plethora of accommodation options from hotels in all price ranges, apartments, motels, to backpackers. Huka Lodge set on the edge of the Waikato River near Huka Falls is internationally reknowned .

Taupo has some excellent shopping for a small town, and numerous restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Some Taupo Activities :

• Lakeside swimming in summer
• Trout fishing .....which attracts many overseas guests
• Boat Fishing trips
• Parasailing
• Kayaking
• Cruise out to the Maori Rock Carvings...only accessed by water
• Huka Falls
• De Bretts Thermal Hotpools

Day Trip to the Mountains from Taupo;

Taupo is also an excellent base for day trips to the central North Island Mountains – Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngarauhoe and Mt Tongariro....where the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing day walk can be attempted or you enjoy skiing and snow fun in winter. Visit the Information Centre for weather,and details.

Napier in the Hawkes Bay is New Zealand’s Art Deco Capital . With nearby twin city Hastings a main wine growing area....this is a wonderful destination for lovers of Art Deco architecture, wine tasting and great food!

Activities in the area include:

• The Aquarium on the beautifulMarine Parade
• Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony
• Te Mata Peak for fantastic views
• Beaches
• Art Deco Walking Tours are held twice daily
• The New Zealand Wine Centre - a good first stopfor some tasting and finding out about wineries in the region.
• View from Bluff Hill

Wineries Around Napier:

• Wineries...there are so many you could not possibly visit them all.
  
• You can do Guided Winery Tours
  
•  Vineyard BikeTour.
• Self drive Wine Tour                                                                                                       
  

There are wineries in Napier City, through to Hastings.Each has its own special features....and wines.

Wellington......New Zealand’s capital city..... is an excellent destination for staying in a central location and walking. Many tourist attractions are centred on the waterfront, and the surrounding hills.

Wellington is also the centre for many <b><i>Lord of the Rings</b></i> filming sites and Weta workshop famed for it’s 3D animation for LOTR and other movies.

Must see attractions include:

• Te Papa National Museum
• The Beehive – our Parliament Buildings...which have day tours
• Art Gallerys
• Kelburn Cable Car
• Botannical Gardens
• Walk along Oriental Parade
• Katherine Mansfield’s Walk
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• LOTR Tour
• Tour of Weta Workshop Cave

If you have travelled through all these cities you will have seen a good cross section of New Zealand North Island cities, and be able to incorporate many other interesting North Island activities and attractions as you travel between cities. Enjoy your holiday!